Four-goal Alfred Effiong inspired Marsaxlokk to an emphatic 5-2 win over champions Birkirkara this afternoon.

It was a resounding victory from the southerners who surged ahead after only 31 minutes when Effiong raced to Trevor Templeman’s throughball and beat the onrushing Manuel Bartolo with a low shot.

Birkirkara managed to draw level on 41 minutes when Terrence Vella’s long range shot surprised Reuben Gauci, the Marsaxlokk goalkeeper.

However, it was Marsaxlokk who had the final say of the first half when on 45 minutes Effiong controlled a long pass and after seeing his first shot blocked he regained possession and beat Bartolo from close in.

Three minutes into the second half Marsaxlokk made it 3-1 when Templeman nodded the ball into the path of Dylan Kokavessis who blasted the ball past Bartolo. Marsaxlokk were firmly in charge and on 56 minutes they added a fourth goal when Birkirkara defender Ryan Harding failed to clear Guerreiro’s through ball and Effiong was on hand to fire past Bartolo.

Birkirkara were handed a lifeline on 61 minutes when Paul Fenech pulled a goal back with a long range drive.

However, any hopes the Stripes had of a recovery were ended 15 minutes from time when Guerreiro fed Effiong who again raced clear of his marker and slid the ball past Bartolo.

Effiong was voted as the BOV Player of the Match.